Scott wrote:I think that Shero needs to make a serious attempt to bring in a Russian player. When Gonchar left I said he was getting too much on the open market in a sense but on the same note I also said he was worth the extra money here to keep Malkin warm and fuzzy.

Malkin is not an empty sweater out there because there are no other russian players on the team...however it does have to be extra hard on him not having anyone in that locker room from his mother land. Ever since the departure of Gonchar I haven't seen a bad Malkin but rather a more moody Malkin.?. Something I preached would happen if they didn't address getting another fellow countryman to at the very least sit beside him in the locker room and the plane. Malkin is too valuable to the Pens to be having such mood swings. Bringing in another Russian player could help with this.Maybe not and maybe that is Malkin just being Malkin but at this point it is worth a shot.

After getting Malkin signed this needs to be another priority for the summer.

Did you read Malkin's comments after the east final? The guy is a true professional and showed a ton of maturity. He doesn't need a Russian to play well or be happy.

I dont think we need to add another Russian, but if the chance ever presented itself to trade for Nikolai Kulemin, it would be a perfect fit. He played with Geno in the KHL and would add some two-way ability to the Geno and Neal line.

Wow..... Don't usually question posts, but this is crazy. He has been in the states for almost 10 years. If you think not having a Russian on the team impact Malkin at all.... Then have mercy on all our souls...... :). Maybe Adams sucks because there are no other Harvard allums on the team